Hundreds of Experts To Gather in New York City To Examine Issues Impacting the Future of the Legal Profession
12.18.2024
The New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting, which will be held from Jan. 14 to 17 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City, promises to be a dynamic and informative event. Experts in a multitude of fields will gather to tackle the biggest challenges facing the legal profession – including artificial intelligence, the adult-use cannabis industry, wartime human trafficking, the opioid crisis, social media free speech, and much more.
“In this time of transition, the New York State Bar Association is leading the way to inform and educate,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “It’s important for lawyers to gather together in order to make the world better for everyone. Practitioners in all fields will benefit from our many programs covering the multitude of issues facing lawyers today.”
Highlights of Annual Meeting include the Presidential Gala, where retired Associate Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States will receive the association’s most prestigious award, the Gold Medal. The gala is on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at The Plaza Hotel. Justice Breyer will speak about his career, judicial philosophy and his recent book during a fireside chat at the gala.
The Presidential Summit, the marquee event of the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, is on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The summit, entitled “Securing Justice: Addressing Sexual Violence and the Weaponization of Individuals and Groups During Conflicts and Wars,” will focus on justice for the victims of wartime human trafficking and sexual violence.
Distinguished guests include Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, international human rights law expert and founder and chair of the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children; Susana SáCouto, director of the War Crimes Research Office of the American University Washington College of Law; and Abid Shamdeen, advocate for Yazidi genocide survivors and co-founder of Nadia’s Initiative.
In addition, former U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Forrest and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court Bridget McCormack will present on the impact AI has had on the legal profession, and how lawyers are navigating changing regulations related to privacy and data security.
Other highlights of Annual Meeting include:
Advocating for Trans Youth: Navigating Legal Challenges and Protections. The LGBTQ+ Law Section will explore the legal issues surrounding gender-affirming care for transgender youth, as well as the status of ongoing legislation and litigation. Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 2:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Regulatory Reckoning: Social Media and the Law. Presented by the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section, the panel will look at laws regulating social media, including proposed reforms to Section 230’s liability shield and the movement to ban TikTok, along with the implications for free speech. Thursday, Jan. 16, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Medical Aid in Dying: Ethical Issues. The Elder Law & Special Needs Section will examine New York’s proposed Medical Aid in Dying Bill, as well as the medical, spiritual, and ethical issues related to end-of-life care for terminally ill people. Thursday, Jan. 16, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.
The Practice and Ethics of Advocating For Clients in The Media. A panel consisting of a jurist, a reporter, an ethics attorney, and the attorney from the Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal defense team. Presented by the General Practice Section, Committee on Professional Discipline and 50+ Section. Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
DNA, Surrogacy, Frozen Gametes – Planning & Litigating Heirship. Can people made through sperm and egg donation claim inheritance from their genetic relatives? The Trusts and Estates Law Section delves into how estate planning can be complicated by DNA relations. Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 9:10 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Opioid Crisis and New York Issues. The Health Law Section will address the opioid crisis in New York State and what healthcare providers, treatment programs, and prosecutors are doing to treat those affected. Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 4 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Neurodiversity and the Workplace: Challenges for Employers and Employees. What accommodations do employees with autism and ADHD need? What are the benefits of a neurodiverse-friendly workplace? How can employers comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act? Presented by the Labor and Employment Law Section Friday, Jan. 17, from 10:10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
In addition to the association-wide events, Annual Meeting offers dozens of programs with influential speakers, including:
- Laura Alfredo, executive vice president of legal, regulatory and professional affairs and general counsel, Greater New York Hospital Association.
- Eddie S. Glaude Jr., James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Department of African American Studies at Princeton University.
- Glenn Hubbard, dean emeritus and Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics at Columbia University Business School.
- Laurence Kraemer, executive senior vice president, general counsel and chief legal officer of Northwell Health.
- Sofia Rahman, managing director and general counsel, Intellectual Property & Artificial Intelligence at Citigroup.
- James Sheehan, chief of the Charities Bureau of the New York State Office of the Attorney General.
- Nihla Sikkander, assistant counsel, The State University of New York.
- Sandi Jessica Toll, senior vice president and general counsel, Healthcare Association of New York State.
- Chief Judge Rowan Wilson of the State of New York and the Court of Appeals.
- Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas of the New York State Courts.
On the lighter side, attendees will have the chance to pet and play with puppies to destress.
Each year, more than 120 different panels and social events make up the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting and some 4,000 lawyers participate. For more information on NYSBA’s Annual Meeting, click here.
